Weeden Heights Primary School

Year 5/6K

Senior School

Information Booklet 2019

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Our Mission

Weeden Heights Primary School empowers and supports students to achieve personal

excellence to become life long learners and global citizens who make a positive difference.

We Are

A dynamic child centred, learning community committed to providing exemplary programs

in a challenging, vibrant and safe environment.

Our School Values

Respect Personal Excellence Curiosity and Creativity Collaboration

We Support

Our students to be life long learners who are:

Logical and Creative Thinkers

Knowledgeable

Tolerant

Motivated

Resilient

Imaginative

Open Minded

Risk Takers

Reflective

Caring and respectful.

Our Curriculum

Is designed to ensure students:

Experience the joy of learning and reach their academic potential

Develop comprehensive literacy and numeracy skills

Foster enquiry learning, thinking skills and problem solving

Teach students how to learn across all areas including Science,

Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), History, Eco-

nomics, Geography, Health and Environmental Studies.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Caring For and Nurturing Students

A Whole School Commitment

In addition to providing a vibrant learning environment and a safe and secure physical

environment, we place significant emphasis on the well-being of our students. We know

our students and make them feel valued.

Our programs and services include:

Individual care of every student

Cross-age and grade mentoring

Buddy program

Cyber Safety

E-smart accredited school

Specialised lunchtime activities

School House System

Visible playground supervision

Qualified First Aid staff

UV/Sunsmart Policy

Asthma Friendly Accredited School.

Community Partnerships

We believe the home/school partnership is vital to a child’s achievement and welcome

parents and community involvement through:

Close communication between home and school

Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden program

Classroom Helper programs

School Council

Parents Association

Classroom Parent Representatives

Parent / Student / Teacher Partnership Meetings

Open mornings, days and evenings

Fortnightly electronic newsletter, “Nokuna”

Facebook Page

FlexiBuzz (smartphone app)

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Welcome to 5/6K

Jasmine

Year 5/6K

Learning Agreement/Mission Statement.

In 5/6K we will respect and support each other positively. All students in our class will strive to learn every day and aim to inspire others in particular our school’s younger students. We are an inclusive, nurturing and co-operative learning community. Our class consists of students with diverse learning goals and we will aim to work hard to achieve these. Together we will all succeed because we are 5/6K!

Class Teacher

Paul Keeghan

Specialist Teachers Languages - Delphine Todd

Performing Arts - Anne Peddington Visual Arts - Annie PAaerno

Physical Education - Kiralee Molnar STEAM - Kiralee Molnar

Mary Zahir Jamieson Lara Emilio

Nate Ella Wang Yu William Reza

Alex Cooper Lydia Sherry Jazmin

Jade Patrick Corbin Andrew Jessica

Daniel Zayan Ryan Ruby Ashley

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Daily Schedule

Doors Open - 8:50 am

Classes Commence - 9:00 am

Recess - 11:00am

Classes resume 11.30am

Lunch Eating - 1:10 pm

Lunch Break - 1:20 pm

Classes resume - 2.10pm

Day Concludes - 3.30pm

General Information for Parents

Absences Your child’s learning is paramount at Weeden Heights Primary School and unnecessary absenteeism can hinder his/her progress in the following ways:

Vital information relating to the classroom timetable and routine can be missed leaving your child feeling lost and insecure

Missed curriculum instruction can impede progress which can lead to loss of self confidence

Your child’s social development can be interrupted making interaction with peers difficult at times.

However, the best place for a sick child is at home. A child who is unwell finds it difficult to concentrate and achieve his/her best. A day’s rest at the onset of an illness can often avoid a prolonged absence. For short absences a dated written note containing your child’s name, grade and reason for absence would be appreciated when they return. If your child is going to be absent for more than two days it would be appreciated if you could phone the school and also send along a written note. It is a Department of Education requirement that all absences are reported. Absences without an accompanying written note are recorded in the system as ‘unexplained’.

Camping Program At Weeden Heights Primary School, the camping program aims to provide each student with the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and a sense of achievement through a variety of challenging activities within different environments. This program promotes the students’ independence and builds positive teacher-child and peer group relationships. In 2019 the year 5/6 camp is at Lady Northcote and will be held during term 2.

Communication and Reports The home-school partnership is vital. We encourage parents to contact teachers, or Principal should they have any concerns, or are in need of assistance or support, with regards to their child’s academic, physical, social or emotional progress at any time.

Specialist Schedule

Monday — Kitchen (Term 1, first half of Term

2)

Tuesday — Garden (Term 1, first half of Term 2)

Wednesday — Library, P.E and French

Thursday — Visual Arts

Friday — Interschool Sport and STEAM

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Open Day and Night All parents, families and special friends are invited to come and see Weeden Heights Primary School on show. During these sessions we have student work on display, hands on activities reflecting students’ current learning and student performances highlight the skills and talents of our students. Information/ Parent, Teacher & Student Exchanges Parent, Teacher and Student exchanges, referred to as Partnership Meetings, are scheduled each year. These meetings give you a chance to discuss your child’s progress with the class teacher. 3-Way Partnership meetings offer an opportunity for your child to reflect and celebrate their achievements. Written Reports Mid year and end of year reports and portfolios will be sent home detailing your child’s progress in English, Mathematics, Inquiry Learning, specialist areas and personal development.

English Literacy is a core skill and central to the learning of our students. It helps create confident

communicators, imaginative thinkers and informed citizens. Our students learn to analyse,

understand, communicate with and build relationships with others and with the world

around them.

During English, Literature studies help students to engage imaginatively and critically and

to expand the scope of their experience. The CAFÉ reading approach is implemented in

the senior years and focuses heavily on reading comprehension. Further application of

comprehension strategies are enhanced through strategy groups and Literature circles

where students can be grouped for like needs.

Café Reading aims to develop meaning and comprehension, improve reading strategies

and critical analysis of text using a variety of text types. In writing the teaching group

approaches for students are modelled, shared, interactive or guided. Teaching writing

through the VOICES approach demonstrates planning, composing, recording, revising

and publishing through a variety of genres and developmental stages.

All classrooms are supported by a comprehensive range of well resourced texts, software

and other materials appropriate to the needs of each student. Information Communication

Technologies are incorporated into our program and are a significant vehicle for literacy

learning.

Mathematics Learning mathematics creates opportunities for and enriches the lives of all Australians.

We aim to provide students with essential mathematical skills and knowledge in Number

and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry, and Statistics and Probability .

Our curriculum focuses on developing increasingly sophisticated and refined mathematical

understanding, fluency, logical reasoning, analytical thought and problem-solving skills.

These capabilities enable students to respond to familiar and unfamiliar situations by

employing mathematical strategies to make informed decisions and solve problems

efficiently. Digital technologies are providing access to new tools for continuing

mathematical exploration and invention.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

In the Senior School we have dedicated Mathematics sessions which aim to ensure that

students:

are confident, creative users and communicators of mathematics, able to

investigate, represent and interpret situations in their personal and work lives

and as active citizens

develop an increasingly sophisticated understanding of mathematical concepts

and fluency with processes, and are able to pose and solve problems.

Learning mathematics involves building upon previous mathematical skills and

understandings, making connections between these mathematical ideas and then

generalising. In order to maximise their mathematical learning, and experience its

usefulness and importance, students at Weeden Heights Primary School are

simultaneously developing their numeracy by appropriately choosing and using

mathematics to solve everyday situations and mathematically related problems as

facilitated by their teacher.

Classrooms are well supported by a variety of manipulatives, concrete materials (formal

and informal), software and tools to match the needs of each child.

All students have access to an online learning program called Mathletics which supports all

aspects of numeracy and supplements the classroom program through school and home

learning opportunities.

Inquiry Learning Each term the year 5/6 students are involved in developing the focus questions for their Inquiry learning. An Inquiry unit of work is then developed reflecting the students interests, whilst ensuring the capabilities and strands of the Victorian curriculum are being covered.

Year 5/6 students begin term 1 with the W.H.P.S Bright Beginnings student Well Being program. In 2019 the 5/6 students will be preparing themselves for Night of the Notables, where they will present the life and achievements of a notable Australian.

eLearning/Digital Technologies Computers and digital technology is integrated across our entire curriculum. Students have the opportunity to regularly use desk top computers, notebooks, iPads, digital cameras and the Internet.

Weekly Schedule and Specialist Programs

Languages Students are learning French. The language program is designed to instil an appreciation of language learning, teach students the necessary vocabulary and phrases and introduce students to the French culture. The students are instructed by a native speaker who is supported by the classroom teacher. Library Students are able to borrow a wide selection of books from our well equipped Library on a weekly basis. Each child is encouraged to borrow 2 books weekly. Books may be kept for 1-2 weeks at a time and re-borrowed if required.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Performing Arts Performing Arts develops the students’ abilities’ in performing. Creating, making, exploring and responding are the major focus of the Performing Arts Program. The content areas of the performing arts are – drama, music and dance.

Each term will have elements of drama, music and dance, as they are not mutually exclusive.

Drama includes development of character, using voice costume and props. Students will have the opportunity to explore expression participating in nursery rhymes, activities and drama games. They will create their own characters and participate in the performance of common fairy tales. Costumes and props will be used to help develop performance.

During Music sessions students will be encouraged to sing, move, and play instruments confidently. Musical elements such as beat, pitch, dynamics and tempo will be explored and used to communicate ideas and feelings. Students will have the opportunity to create and perform.

Dance involves the students participating in a variety of dance styles: hip-hop, rock’n’roll, dance that tells a story (ballet), disco, and traditional dances. Student will explore putting their own movements to a various styles of music and engage in a variety of dance games.

Choir will be available as an optional lunchtime activity for any interested students in grade 2.

Physical Education/Sport Program All students participate in our Physical Education and sport programs which includes structured and informal physical education classes. Swimming also forms part of our Physical Education program. Our Prep and Year 1 students complete a series of 8 to 10 weekly swimming lessons. Our Year 2, 3, and 4 students complete an intensive 8 day swimming program. Our senior students compete in our school and district swimming carnivals. Students from Year 3 onwards participate in Hoop Time Basketball competitions, district and zone sporting carnivals and Year 5 and 6 students also represent Weeden Heights Primary School in Interschool Sport. Please ensure that your child has appropriate footwear to enable them to safely participate in outdoor (weather permitting) activities. Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Our junior students will be introduced to and have some opportunity to work with the

garden and kitchen specialists learning about growing and preparing foods, some of which

contain fresh produce from our garden and eggs from our resident chickens. Year 5 & 6

participate in 8 sessions beginning in term 1..

Participation in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Project provides opportunities for

students to implement their learning in a fun and dynamic way. Students, parents,

grandparents and the community will have the opportunity to share in caring for the

garden, harvesting produce and preparing and sharing interesting food in the kitchen.

Senior students also work in the kitchen and garden where opportunities arise. All grades

are responsible for maintaining a section of the garden. We invite and encourage parents

and special friends to participate in our volunteer program.

The program enables students and other members of the community to develop together their active, hands on learning, confidence and ability to make healthy eating and lifestyle choices, awareness of environmental issues and experience new opportunities and responsibilities.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Visual Arts Visual Arts develops the students ‘abilities’ in Art. Creating, making, exploring and responding are the major focus of the Visual Arts Program. Imagination and creativity are pivotal to the Visual Art program. Students create 2D and 3D visual arts works that communicate ideas, concepts, observations, feelings and experiences. They use a range of skills, techniques, process and materials and equipment.

Activities include:

Painting

Printing

Collage and paper skills

Modelling

Drawing

Threads and Textiles

Construction

Students will be encouraged to describe and discuss their own and others’ art work.

Please provide your child with an art smock to protect their school uniform (an old shirt is perfect). S.T.E.A.M. This specialist area incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. STEAM develops creative problem solving skills along with robotics and coding. All students will attend this weekly. Social Skills/Wellbeing Students participate in weekly social skills classes. The foci for these is our school values, esmart, mindfulness and meditation and our whole school wellbeing program BOUNCE BACK.

Whole School Assembly Monday mornings commencing at 9:00 am. Please join us in celebrating the students and

their achievements.

Homework While each year level at Weeden Heights Primary School is guided by our School Council endorsed Homework Policy, homework looks a little different across the school. We see homework as an opportunity for parents and carers to participate in their child's education. Students practise skills and knowledge learnt at school, in pursuit of becoming an independent learner, responsible for their own learning. Homework complements and reinforces classroom learning and fosters good lifelong study habits. In general, students are expected to complete and submit the following homework: Year 5 & 6

Daily reading of a variety of texts (minimum total of 1 hour per week, students

choose amount per night)

Daily practise of times tables, mental maths facts and spelling words

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Weekly revision of Mathematics and English skills being taught in class

Weekly revision of other tasks related to classroom activities.

Finish work that has not been finished during class time, or needs to be

repeated to reach an acceptable level.

In addition projects and extended tasks may be assigned to support the classroom

program

Teachers will: Ensure students are given homework tasks and they are made aware of the due

date

Value students' efforts by acknowledging their work and providing feedback

Contact parents if a student is not completing homework on a regular basis

Encourage students to develop home organisation skills for homework.

Parents can help their children by:

Encouraging a regular daily session to examine and complete homework

Discussing key questions or suggesting resources to help with homework

Helping to balance the amount of time spent between homework and recreational activities such as watching television or playing computer games

Asking how homework and class work is progressing and acknowledging success

Attending school events, open nights, productions or displays their child is involved in

Talking to teachers to discuss problems with homework.

Parental Involvement

Weeden Heights strongly believes that student learning is enhanced when families and

teachers work together as partners.

Many and varied opportunities are available for your involvement:

Classroom assistance with various programs such as Early Years Literacy and

Numeracy classroom support

Being a vital part of our Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program by

volunteering in either the kitchen or garden or both

Accompanying classes on excursions

Assisting in the Library with the maintenance and processing of books

Assisting and coaching one of our many sporting teams and events

Committee is a great way of being involved with the school and getting to know other parents. Notification of dates, time and venue of P & C meetings is done through our school newsletter and all parents are welcome to attend. If you would like to discuss your

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Becoming involved as one of our valued Classroom Parent Representatives

Sharing cultural backgrounds, creative skills or other expertise with selected classes

Assisting with school concerts and productions

Becoming part of our Parents and Friends Association (PFA)

Actively playing a role on our School Council or one of its Sub-Committees

Attending working bees.

We also welcome families to participate in any special days such as junior sports, dress up

days and other activities as they arise.

Classroom Representatives

At the start of each year your child’s classroom teacher will invite parents to become their

Classroom Representative. This includes liaising with the parents in the class and the

school, involving everyone in the classroom and social activities and passing on infor-

mation between school and home. Classroom Representatives meet regularly to ex-

change ideas and plan activities.

Parents and Friends Association (PFA)

The aim of the Parents and Friends Association (PFA) is to raise much needed extra

funds for the school for the benefit of the students. In previous years the committee has

provided the school with two new playgrounds, helped with the cost of fencing around the

staff car park, purchased audio visual equipment, interactive whiteboards and air condi-

tioners for the library and classrooms, together with many other items. Being a member

of the Parents Association is a great way of being involved with the school and getting to

know other parents. Notification of dates, time and venue of meetings is done through

our school newsletter and all parents are welcome to attend. If you would like to discuss

your involvement, contact telephone numbers for Parents Association members are also

included in our school newsletter.

School Council

The School Council is a legal entity comprising parents and staff.

The Weeden Heights Primary School Council is required:

To work with parents and staff in shaping the educational policy of the school

To ensure buildings and grounds are kept in good state of repair

Suggest improvements/extensions to buildings and grounds

Stimulate interest in the school

Conduct a public meeting each year

Participate in the budget process each year

Stand for election.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Elections for School Council are held each year in Term 1. All parents are eligible to stand for

election.

Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. If you are interested, please do come

along. Input from all members of the community is valued. School Council actively seeks

your ideas, support and involvement.

School Council Sub Committees

At Weeden Heights Primary School our School Council has the following sub committees for

which parents are encouraged and welcome to join:

Education

Buildings and Grounds

Finance

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC)

Public Relations

Personal & Interpersonal

Development Skills

Student Engagement and Wellbeing Actively Promoting Positive Behaviours

At Weeden Heights Primary School, we strive to learn how to work and play effectively with oth-

ers. The diverse situations within the classroom and school yard, both structured and informal,

provide invaluable opportunities for learning and refining positive social strategies. Students de-

velop the ability to make constructive independent decisions and experience associated reward-

ing results.

Positive social participation skills include:

Identifying the consequence of our actions and the effects of our words upon others

Accepting responsibility for both our actions and our learning

Demonstrating courtesy, respect and empathy for others and their belongings

Sharing resources

Working co-operatively with others

Effectively undertaking small group tasks with a variety of peers

Accepting support and advice constructively.

In line with the schools Engagement and Wellbeing Policy each student completes the an

Essential Agreement. The values and behaviors which we trying to build are discussed in the

class and form the basis of each grade Learning Agreement/Mission Statement as appears on

the front page of this booklet. However if there is a breach in behaviour, the school has a very

clear procedure that aims to maximise the learning for all parties.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

Characteristics of Successful Learners

Thoughtful: curious, reflective, provide reasons

Industrious: motivated, focused on task, persistent

Generative: creative, original, imaginative

Empathetic: aware and concerned for the feelings of others

Risk Taker: make informed independent decisions, try new things

Strategic: organised, resourceful, planned

Ways You Can Help Your Child

Reading

Share reading sessions with your child as often as time permits

Encourage your child to use the pictures to also aid their comprehension

Talk about the texts you read: author, illustrator, cover, pictures, setting/scene, characters, story

line/plot and so forth

Ask your child a few questions and encourage them to make predictions about the text before

reading it, whilst reading it and comments after reading it. For more advanced readers, make it

into a game or quiz and ask them to think of some questions to ask you

Be seen as a reader yourself in order to provide your child with a good reading role model. Read-

ing to your child is extremely beneficial in aiding their development

Promote the use of our school and local libraries

Read old favourites again and again to promote familiarity and confidence

Listen to cds and stories at home and whilst traveling in the car

Encourage your child to read magazines, cartoons, comics, newspapers etc. Locate signs, and

read recipes, junk mail, packets, boxes and other household items. These will help broaden your

child’s understanding and knowledge of texts with regards to their purpose, audience, format and

style, in addition to word content, vocabulary and usage

Encourage your child to reflect on what they have read. Can they find the main idea and

summarise?

Finally … above all else … reading should be FUN!

Writing

Encourage, support and praise ALL attempts at writing

Provide all sorts of materials for writing and related activities, especially fancy and colourful

pencils, different styles of paper etc. Even alphabet cookie cutters and play dough or shav-

ing cream in a tray can be fun!

Reinforce the different forms of writing and how they are used, eg. Phone messages,

shopping lists, notes on the fridge, greeting cards, lunch orders, invitations, diaries, etc.

If possible, allow your child to use the computer for all sorts of writing including stories,

reports, letters, etc. They could use PowerPoint to create stories or reflections of events

and even share them at school on the Interactive Whiteboards or projectors.

Fu

ture

s are

Bri

ght

...

They often don’t see this as ‘work’, as they are not asked to physically ‘write’ and they LOVE

sharing

Play alphabet, rhyming and word games like I Spy, Scrabble, Hangman, etc.

Ask your child to read and discuss their own writing rather than making your own

interpretations.

Also, encourage them to explain aspects such as its purpose, meaning and intended

audience.

When having difficulty spelling a word, encourage your child to have a go at writing first.

Then look at the word and identify the part that doesn’t look right. Ask, “How could you

change it? Do you know any similar words? Have your heard this pattern before?, etc.

Don’t forget to praise every effort!

Help them recognise and learn consistent patterns such as ‘ion’ in station.

Help your child to effectively use dictionaries, word books and thesauruses to support their

spelling and vocabulary skills.